Prevalence of Major Gastrointestinal Helminthes Parasites of Small Ruminant in Enemay Woreda

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with small ruminants GIT helminth parasites in Enemay Woreda, East Gojjamm, Northwest of Ethiopia from October, 2013 to April, 2014 based on coprological examination. A total of 384 small ruminants’ fecal samples (248 sheep and 136 goats) were collected and examined using standard parasitological procedures of sedimentation and flotation techniques. The present study revealed that the overall prevalence of the major GIT helminthes parasite was 229 (59.63%). Out of 229 positive samples the species of parasite were found Strongyle (22.9%), Fasciola (14.1%), Paramphistomum (7.03%), Monesia (5.73%) and as mixed infection (9.9%). The study showed that 63.7% and 52.2 % of sheep and goats respectively were infected with one or more helminthes and higher prevalence was observed in sheep than goats and there was statically significant difference (P<0.05) between them. Female animals were found with higher prevalence of helminthes infection rate than male animals with a prevalence of 59.9% and 40.1% respectively and there was statically significant difference (P<0.05) between sex.  Higher prevalence was observed in young animal than adult animal in this study and the prevalence was 67.9% and 53.6% respectively. There was statically significant difference (P<0.05) between age group. The study showed that higher prevalence of helmintic infection was observed in poor body condition animals as compared to medium and good body condition animals and their prevalence were 89.9%, 59% and 44% respectively. There was highly statically significant difference (P<0.000) between body condition of the animal. In conclusion the animal was affected by different helminth parasite infections which cause loss of production, reducing growth rate and death of small ruminants. So the animal owner should be deworming their small ruminants by different anthelmintics based on order of the Veterinarian to avoid drug resistance as recommendation.

Keywords: Enemay woreda, GIT helminthes, Prevalence, Risk factor, Small ruminants